Tailings Management PlansA review of Directive 085

The total volume of fluid tailings, a toxic byproduct of Alberta oilsands mining, reached 1.18 trillion litres in 2015. This is the result of 50 years of regulatory and engineering shortcomings. On November 1, 2016, Tailings Management Plans for all operating mines were submitted to the Alberta Energy Regulator. The Pembina Institute has compiled data from these plans and conducted a preliminary analysis, identifying seven areas of concern.

This report provides background information on the state of oilsands tailings ponds in Alberta and discusses our concerns with proposed plans to remedy them.

Related Publications

With more interest on what a decarbonizing economy could mean for Canada, the potential climate liability of Alberta's oilsands has become the new focus in an longstanding debate around the industry. To help ground the discussion, the Pembina Institute has compiled recent research and analysis into a fact sheet.

Tailings management remains a critical public interest issue in Alberta. The AER must ensure its decisions increase accountability, transparency, and improve outcomes consistent with the TMF.

Subscribe

Our perspectives to your inbox.

The Pembina Institute endeavors to maintain your privacy and protect the confidentiality of any personal information that you may give us. We do not sell, share, rent or otherwise disseminate personal information. Read our full privacy policy.